Are you a nurse? I am starting a support group for nurses that are contemplating, undergoing or are now 'old pro's' with their sleeves!

By way of introduction, my name is Jana & I live in the DFW area and am currently undergoing the approval process. I have been a RN for 38 years--18 years in Surgery & 18 years in Case Management & as a Manager for a major health plan carrier.

So feel free to jump on board!

Just found this nurse forum. Its great that we can all support each other as we are usually the one giving the support. I'm a travel LPN have been for 15years. I am self pay for Tijuana. Had a big panic attack last nigh. My date is 10/21/14. I decided to take the train from Iowa and make it a fun adventure, spend a few extra days in Tijuana before heading back by train. I am getting so scarred. All the what ifs are hitting me. I put down my deposit yesterday so I think that's why it just all became a reality. No backing out, it is what it is.

I know it's scary to think about, and i won't lie to you, the first month after surgery is pretty rough (mostly mental). But my only regret now is that i didn't do this years ago! I'm 5 months out, down more than 50lb, wear a size 14, looking and feeling great! I'm off my BP meds, lipid panel looks gorgeous. The first time someone said to me "you're so small" or "hey skinny!" I knew it was all worth it and i wouldn't trade it for anything. It feels great to walk into a store and know people aren't staring, saying "Eww, fat lady!" LOL

Hang in there and constantly remind yourself why you are doing this. See you on the loser's bench soon. Keep in touch!

Frustrated... But trying to hang in. I am 6 weeks post op.. Lost 20 lbs in the first two weeks.. Now NOTHING for a month... I am a busy radiology RN and walk all day long.. Getting 80 grams of protein, usually enough water, and am eating 800-900 cal a day... I trying to be patient and just ignore the stall... Urgggggg painful it seems slow...

I could be wrong, but 800-900 calories/day seems like a lot for only 2 months out. My surgeon told me that my 500-600 cal is more "normal", post-op. You're getting almost twice that. What are you eating? How much? Eating at night? Drinking with meals?

Hello, I just joined I'm in my pre op phase, I need as much positive support as possible . Tell me how those first few weeks are after surgery I am a nurse and work long hours

I could be wrong, but 800-900 calories/day seems like a lot for only 2 months out. My surgeon told me that my 500-600 cal is more "normal", post-op. You're getting almost twice that. What are you eating? How much? Eating at night? Drinking with meals?

.

Typical day

Protein shake with 2 scoops Protein, 2 tablespoons PB2 1 oz banana - 265 cal

Fat free half and half 60 cal

Mid morning, 1/2 cup egg whites - 40 cal

lunch 3 oz tilapia 120 cal, 1 homemade zucchini cake 60 cal

Snack 2 light baby bell cheese 100 cal

dinner 3 oz trader joes sun dried tomato chicken breast 120 cal

1/4 cup lentils 65 cal

10 savory rice crackers trader joes 60 cal

Total cal 836

I was told to eat 800 cal and at least 80 grams protein..

That is a typical day and i dont drink with meals

The crackers are after dinner for a snack

.

Typical day

Protein shake with 2 scoops protein, 2 tablespoons PB2 1 oz banana - 265 cal

Fat free half and half 60 cal

Mid morning, 1/2 cup egg whites - 40 cal

lunch 3 oz tilapia 120 cal, 1 homemade zucchini cake 60 cal

Snack 2 light baby bell cheese 100 cal

dinner 3 oz trader joes sun dried tomato chicken breast 120 cal

1/4 cup lentils 65 cal

10 savory rice crackers trader joes 60 cal

Total cal 836

I was told to eat 800 cal and at least 80 grams protein..

That is a typical day and i dont drink with meals

That seems like a lot of food for your stage. I don't even eat that much at 5 months out. Probably not a good idea to eat after dinner at all. But as always, trust your surgeon's advice. Call your nutritionist and see what he/she says.

Im a nursing student as well. I was sleeved on Sept 30th. Im on my fifth day post op. I haven't had a bowel movement yet. I have so much gas buildup in my abdomen. My lower back hurts as well. I had my surgery done in the states. I feel like my stomach is super swollen

I am also a RN, sleeved 9/9/14-I have lost 16lbs and I am now in a stall. I'm trying to not get frustrated because I have read on these forums that this stall is normal. I'm glad to have found this group. Any suggestions on what to do to get past this stall?

I am also a RN, sleeved 9/9/14-I have lost 16lbs and I am now in a stall. I'm trying to not get frustrated because I have read on these forums that this stall is normal. I'm glad to have found this group. Any suggestions on what to do to get past this stall?

You just have to ride it out. Remind yourself that it is temporary, and that as you lose fat and gain muscle, that muscle weighs more than fat! A stall is your body's way of trying to set a new weight "setpoint" for itself and it will do this several times as you are losing. I went through a stall that lasted 5 weeks! Don't be discouraged, stay on the path and trust your surgeon and your sleeve.

Whatever you do, don't use a stall as an excuse to "cheat"!

Hugs

Hi! My name is Kim and ive been a labor and delivery nurse for 13 yrs! Im in the very beginning of this process and have my consultation appt with Dr Kane out of Hoffman Estates Illinois on October 29th! Wanting the sleeve. Im 5'1 and am at my heaviest 240lbs. Looking forward to taking back my life!

Hi fellow L&D nurse! I am still pre-op so do you mind if I ask some questions? How long are you taking leave for? I'm torn between 4-6 weeks. I have the PTO time saved, but our small unit will really suffer if I'm gone too long. I agree with you about the need to plan what you'll eat-we don't get regular breaks either, I plan on protein shakes during work as I certainly won't have time to chew as long as I should! I'm afraid it will be the hardest part of this-learning to slow down! Have you told any co-workers? Do you have any fatigue issues?

Thanks for your patience-I hope your recovery continues to go well! And congratulations on your surgery!

Best wishes,

Brigitte

Im a night shifter labor nurse as well. Im so nervous to organize a routine while working nights and then off. It has really screwed me up. Ive been on nights for 13 yrs. I would love to get onto a day shift just for normalcy but hate the thought of working days. Love my night crew!

Mother-Baby (and former labor) nurse here! Getting my sleeve on the 29th.

L&D and nursery nurse here too!

Hi everyone, I am a retired registered nurse from Saskatchewan Canada. I traveled with my husbands job so I have worked in all areas including medical, surgical, ICU, ER, outpost, L&D, Cancer care. Anyway I am 59 and going to be sleeved in Mexico with Dr. A Ortiz on Jan 12 2015. I have researched for over 6 months and I think I'm getting prepared. Glad to see so many people in the medical field having this procedure done.

Hi everyone, I am a retired registered nurse from Saskatchewan Canada. I traveled with my husbands job so I have worked in all areas including medical, surgical, ICU, ER, outpost, L&D, Cancer care. Anyway I am 59 and going to be sleeved in Mexico with Dr. A Ortiz on Jan 12 2015. I have researched for over 6 months and I think I'm getting prepared. Glad to see so many people in the medical field having this procedure done.